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- Tasks: Manage flight operations and create flight plans for the RAF.
- Company: Join the Royal Air Force Reserves, a prestigious military organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy free gym access, subsidised food, paid holidays, and a pension.
- Why this job: Gain unique experiences, develop transferable skills, and enhance your civilian life.
- Qualifications: Must have military experience in Flight Operations at SNCO rank.
- Other info: Commit to 27 days per year and be ready for potential deployments.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
You will look after the planning and management of the operational support functions needed for the RAF’s flying tasks. In your role you will:
- Create flight plans
- Advise on flight safety
- Supervise teams of Flight Operations Assistants
Minimum education requirements:
You will need to have previous military experience within Flight Operations obtaining the rank of SNCO.
Requirements:
- Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday.
- Be a UK citizen or have dual UK/other nationality.
- Commit 27 days per year.
- Pass a Reserve role locations. Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. Geographic proximity to where you live is important.
These are the bases where this role is active:
- 502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim
- 600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex
- 602 Sqn, Glasgow, Scotland
- 611 Sqn, RAF Woodvale, Merseyside
As a reserve member of the RAF you are a valued and important member of the force. Your personal success is vital to make us succeed too and we believe training is an essential foundation to this. You will receive basic training, and specialist training in your field to prepare you for your role with us.
Your commitment to us:
- Ongoing as assigned. We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve, progress and provide value to us.
- Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.
- You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.
Further development:
- You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process.
- As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.
The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.
Why join the Reserves?
The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life. You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.
Training:
- Free gym
- Subsidised food
- Paid pension
- Paid holiday
You will have to commit to 27 days per year for 12 years minimum. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.
What happens after applying?
Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are.
- Squadron information day
- Selection Interview
- Health assessment
- Fitness test
- Acceptance
Entry requirements:
- You must be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday.
- Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.
- You will need to have previous military experience within Flight Operations obtaining the rank of SNCO.
- You must be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status).
- You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively.
Flight Operations Manager employer: Royal Air Force
Contact Detail:
Royal Air Force Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Flight Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific RAF bases where the Flight Operations Manager role is active. Knowing the locations and their operational requirements can help you tailor your discussions during the selection interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your military knowledge, especially regarding flight safety and operational support functions. This will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former RAF personnel, particularly those who have experience in Flight Operations. They can provide valuable insights and tips that could give you an edge in your application and interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the fitness test by creating a training plan that aligns with the PJFT requirements. Being physically fit will not only help you pass the test but also show your dedication to maintaining the standards expected of a Flight Operations Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Flight Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your military experience, particularly in Flight Operations. Emphasise your rank of SNCO and any relevant skills or achievements that align with the responsibilities of a Flight Operations Manager.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in the role and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Be specific about your experience in planning and managing operational support functions.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to flight safety, team supervision, and flight planning. Use examples from your previous roles to demonstrate your capabilities.
Follow Application Instructions: Carefully read the application instructions provided by the RAF. Ensure that you include all required documents and information, and submit your application through our website before the deadline.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Air Force
✨Showcase Your Military Experience
Since the role requires previous military experience within Flight Operations, be prepared to discuss your background in detail. Highlight specific instances where you successfully managed flight operations or created flight plans, as this will demonstrate your capability for the position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Flight Operations Manager, you'll be supervising teams of Flight Operations Assistants. Use the interview to provide examples of how you've effectively led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to motivate and manage personnel under pressure.
✨Understand RAF Operations
Familiarise yourself with the current operations and structure of the RAF. Being knowledgeable about their flying tasks and safety protocols will show your commitment and readiness to contribute to the team from day one.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, training opportunities, and the culture within the RAF Reserves. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals.
